The Southeast Netherlands has much to offer in the field of Culture & Leisure. The region offers space and tranquillity in a green environment but also crowds and entertainment in cities such as Eindhoven and Maastricht. There is a wide variety of museums, exhibitions and other sorts of cultural entertainment, such as the Van Abbe museum in Eindhoven, the castle in Helmond or the Van Gogh documentation centre in Nuenen.

Eindhoven Region
When you walk around in Eindhoven, you will notice that it is a young, modern city. But appearances can be deceptive, because Eindhoven is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and has an interesting history. The town's charter was granted as early as in 1232. Over time, a lively cigar and textile industry developed along the river Dommel. The later industrialists had impressive villas and townhouses built in the Villapark (district in the Eindhoven centre), which are still dominating the area.

Tilburg Region
Tilburg is a very vibrant city. There is always something to do, for young and old, student and visitor alike. Tilburg is acknowledged to be one of the most 'entertaining' cities in the country, with restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. The lively student scene and the rich cultural climate form the icing on the cake. As a result, the city welcomes many visitors, especially during special events such as the famous Tilburg Fair and Carnival, 013 Music Hall, the Festival Mundial, the Tilburg Ten Miles and the Tilburg Culinair and City of Wine weeks.

There is also much to see and do just outside the city. Tilburg is surrounded by open nature, with woods and meadows close at hand. A relatively short cycle ride will bring you into the heart of the Dutch countryside. For more suggestions, check the webiste of the Visitor Information Centre (VVV).

Maastricht Region 

Maastricht region has a long and rich cultural history. It is understandable, therefore, that the region houses an impressive variety of historical museums and sites, ranging from artifacts from the Roman era in the underground museum beneath the Derlon hotel to the treasure chambers of Saint Servatius, and from the Museum of Natural History to the Museum at the Vrijthof Square. This museum is housed in the Spaans Gouvernement, a 16th-century chapterhouse where Charles V used to stay when he visited Maastricht between 1519 and 1550.

Maastricht also looks to the future: the striking Bonnefanten Museum houses a new collection of internationally oriented contemporary art works, and the Centre Ceramique, located in the hypermodern Céramique district, presents frequently changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. 

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